Test Drive: 2017 Toyota Corolla

Greg Zyla More Content Now

Monday

Dec 4, 2017 at 9:35 AMDec 4, 2017 at 9:35 AM

Entry Price: $18,500Price As Tested: $23,717

The 2017 Toyota Corolla is no longer a lightweight, little compact. Considering its near 4-inch longer wheelbase than previous generation Corollas, and with growth in curb weight and ground clearance, the Toyota Corolla is actually listed as a midsize on the EPA fuel mileage estimates, solidifying its presence as one of the “biggest little compacts” out there.

The 2017 year also celebrates 50 years of Toyota Corolla, a notable anniversary and worthy of mention. New for 2017 are an updated front grille and LED headlights on the entry Corolla L and LE models. Gone is an outdated four-speed automatic on entry L, replaced by the continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Corolla arrived on our shores in 1966 and began its 11th generation in 2013. It is also an excellent example of a company allowing its car’s name the needed time to evoke positive consumer impressions. Specifically, Toyota’s long-term name branding and staying with the Corolla name seems to be in direct opposition to what many manufacturers do nowadays, i.e. throw weird names, lots of numbers and unnecessary letter arrangements at puzzled consumers.

Additionally, Corolla for 2017 relies on legendary owner satisfaction ratings and offers a car that all demographic age groups seem to like, from millennial to baby boomer. Thanks to its low entry price, a Best Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and mechanical excellence, the current Corolla is a solid choice for those shopping this market.

Notable is Toyota’s Entune Premium Audio system, which is a $525 option and recommended by this scribe. Entune includes Navigation and Toyota’s App suite, 7.0-inch split touch screen, AM/FM/CD with MP3/WMA playback, USB 2.0, six speakers, SiriusXM satellite with 90 days free, HD radio with iTunes, iPod, Bluetooth, hands free phone capability and much more. Unlike prior years, the Entune subscription is now totally free and all you’ll need to decide is if you want SiriusXM Satellite after the free trial period.

Our XLE listed at a base price of $21,825 with the CVT automatic. A mid-level LE starts at $18,935 while the entry “L” starts at a most impressive $18,500. Notables on the low price “L” include all the powers, keyless entry, the Star Safety system and a great sounding stereo with auxiliary, USB and Bluetooth features. Therefore, don’t think the entry model is a stripped down Corolla because it isn’t. I’m pleased to say that the rear safety camera is now standard on every Toyota Corolla built. The final Corolla models, each with increasing amenities and features, find the SE at $20,445, SE 6MT at $21,665, and a new 50th Anniversary Corolla for $21,900. That gives prospective buyers six distinct Corollas to choose from.

Every Corolla comes with the proven and fuel efficient 1.8-liter four-cylinder with Dual Variable Valve Timing intelligence (VTT-i). The engine delivers 132 horsepower and 128 lb. ft. of torque and performs all duties adequately with surprisingly good low end torque. If you want to shift manually, there’s just one choice, the aforementioned SE 6MT, the 6MT equating to six-speed manual transmission. Fuel mileage is near identical at 28 city and 35 highway versus the CVT, the latter now standard fare for all 2017 and 2018 Corollas sans the 6MT designation.

Our Corolla came with three other options including a $199 door sill enhancement, $79 rear bumper protector and a $224 carpet and trunk mat set. With $865 destination, the final tally came in at $23,717 retail.

On the road, Corolla is not a high-performance acceleration beast but it does get you up to speed with a degree of pep. You’ll also enjoy the comfortable XLE ride thanks to a MacPherson strut front and torsion beam rear setup. The cabin also has a much larger “mid-size feel” with excellent leg and head room front and rear.

In summary, Corolla is still one of the most affordable compact cars out there while competing in a very crowded market. The incoming 2018 models are identical, so you might want to ask your Toyota dealer what year-end incentives are in play.Likes: Price, quality reputation, nice front end upgrade.Dislikes: Rear drum brakes still used on L and LE models, a turbo would help acceleration.— Greg Zyla writes weekly for More Content Now and other Gatehouse Media publications.

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